2026 NFL Draft: Teams with Multiple & No First-Round Picks
The NFL landscape shifted dramatically on , with the Las Vegas Raiders agreeing to trade star defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round draft picks. The deal, which cannot be finalized until the latest league year begins on , marks a significant turning point for both franchises and reshapes the draft order for the next two years.
The Ravens are sending their first-round selections in both and to acquire Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler who has grow the face of the Raiders franchise since being drafted in the fourth round in . This is the first time in the Ravens’ 31-year history that they have traded away a first-round pick for a veteran player, signaling a clear commitment to bolstering their pass rush immediately. Baltimore’s 2026 first-round pick is currently slated as the 14th overall selection.
The trade addresses a critical require for the Ravens, whose pass rush struggled in , recording a mere 30 sacks – their fewest in 15 years. The team as well lacked an edge rusher with more than 4.5 sacks, a concerning statistic for a traditionally strong defensive unit. Crosby’s arrival is expected to provide an immediate and substantial upgrade, injecting elite talent into a defense that took a step back last season.
For the Raiders, the decision to trade Crosby, despite his importance to the team, appears to be driven by the substantial draft capital received. The Raiders now hold the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, along with the Ravens’ pick at No. 14. This positions them to potentially address multiple needs and rebuild through the draft, a strategy seemingly embraced by new general manager John Spytek.
The Cowboys were also heavily involved in pursuing Crosby, reportedly offering a first- and second-round pick. However, the Raiders ultimately chose the Ravens’ offer of two first-rounders, an offer the Cowboys were unwilling to match. The Jacksonville Jaguars also made a significant push to acquire Crosby, but were ultimately unsuccessful.
This blockbuster trade has ripple effects throughout the draft landscape. The Raiders join the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, and Dallas Cowboys as teams possessing multiple first-round picks in the draft. All five teams missed the playoffs in , suggesting a shared strategy of rebuilding through the draft. Conversely, the Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, and Jaguars will enter the draft without a first-round pick.
The Ravens’ willingness to sacrifice future draft assets underscores the urgency felt within the organization following a disappointing season that resulted in an 8-9 record and the firing of longtime head coach John Harbaugh. New head coach Jesse Minter will now have a key piece in place to revitalize the defense and compete in a challenging AFC North division. The trade signals a departure from the Ravens’ traditional draft-and-develop approach, demonstrating a willingness to make bold moves to accelerate their return to contention.
Crosby’s departure leaves a significant void in Las Vegas, both on and off the field. He had become a symbol of the Raiders’ resilience and a consistent performer despite coaching changes. However, the Raiders’ front office clearly believes the two first-round picks are a valuable asset that will allow them to address multiple needs and build a more sustainable contender in the long term. The team’s ability to capitalize on this draft capital will be crucial to their future success.
The trade also highlights the increasing value placed on elite pass rushers in the modern NFL. Crosby’s ability to consistently pressure the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses made him a highly sought-after commodity, and the Ravens were willing to pay a premium to acquire his services. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years, as teams prioritize disrupting the passing game.
The physical Crosby must pass before the deal is official is a standard procedure, but represents the final hurdle. Assuming he clears it, the NFL will witness a significant power shift in the AFC, with the Ravens immediately becoming a more formidable defensive force. The Raiders, meanwhile, will look to leverage their newfound draft capital to rebuild and return to prominence.